Ideal for units on Gothic poetry with dark comedy and nature elements (especially during Halloween), this poem analysis worksheet helps high school readers interpret "Salvage" by Alfred I. Tooke, a piece originally published in Weird Tales about the cycle of life that incorporates playfully grim imagery. An answer key is included. By engaging with this poetry activity, students will:
Determine the functions of the poem's title and closing couplet.
Identify details that are consistent with the conventions of the Gothic genre.
Discern the intended effect of metaphorical language in context (e.g., "where thought was once enthroned").
Apply knowledge of literary devices (e.g., metaphor, personification, and situational irony).
Make evidence-based inferences (e.g., the general status of the now-dead owner of the skull).
Consider themes in context.
Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. (Alternatively, a Google option is available.)
More Weird Tales resources for the Halloween season are available:
"Out of the Grave" by Eldridge Morton - Google and printable
"The Dogs of Salem" by David H. Keller - Google and printable
"The Graveyard Rats" by Henry Kuttner - Google and printable
"The Vow on Halloween" by Lyllian Huntley Harris - Google and printable
"The Werewolf Snarls" by Manly Wade Wellman - Google and printable
Ideal for units on Gothic poetry with dark comedy and nature elements (especially during Halloween), this poem analysis worksheet helps high school readers interpret "Salvage" by Alfred I. Tooke, a piece originally published in Weird Tales about the cycle of life that incorporates playfully grim imagery. An answer key is included. By engaging with this poetry activity, students will:
Determine the functions of the poem's title and closing couplet.
Identify details that are consistent with the conventions of the Gothic genre.
Discern the intended effect of metaphorical language in context (e.g., "where thought was once enthroned").
Apply knowledge of literary devices (e.g., metaphor, personification, and situational irony).
Make evidence-based inferences (e.g., the general status of the now-dead owner of the skull).
Consider themes in context.
Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. (Alternatively, a Google option is available.)
More Weird Tales resources for the Halloween season are available:
"Out of the Grave" by Eldridge Morton - Google and printable
"The Dogs of Salem" by David H. Keller - Google and printable
"The Graveyard Rats" by Henry Kuttner - Google and printable
"The Vow on Halloween" by Lyllian Huntley Harris - Google and printable
"The Werewolf Snarls" by Manly Wade Wellman - Google and printable
